Understanding safety in the context of business operations: An exploratory study using case studies

Abstract: This exploratory research employs a series of cases studies and a multi-stakeholder perspective to examine safety practices and outcomes in the wider context of business operations. The aims of the research include enhancing the understanding of the practices critical for safe workplaces and of the business value (positive or negative) of safety. Four research questions related to safety practices and outcomes and operational practices and outcomes were addressed. The results provide new and novel insights into safety’s role in the organization and show that when safety is examined in the wider organizational context additional rationale for improving safety becomes visible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]